E-PM also asked that János Áder, President of Hungary, to refrain from signing the law, which the alliance says is a “punishment” for “successful” companies.
Opponents of the law say the new tax on advertising revenue is being used to intimidate media outlets who criticise the government, specifically RTL Klub, the nation’s largest TV broadcaster and the only outlet that must pay 40% under the graduated tax.
Viktor Szigetvári, co-chariman of E-PM, said that the tax violates EU laws banning taxes that are aimed at or discriminate against a certain group or individual.
According to E-PM the amendment to the law that allows companies with losses from earlier years to reduce their tax base clearly favors Fidesz-friendly broadcaster TV2.
Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For over 30 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.
